Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 32-inch QHD 165 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Color For Days

Big screen, huge color gamut.

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Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165
(Image: © Corsair)

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The question of TV versus computer monitor comes down to two things – budget and intended use. If you want to play games and watch videos, a TV might be enough. If you need it to fit on a desktop though, a 32-inch TV will probably top out at FHD resolution and 60 Hz. When you want more performance, only a dedicated monitor will do.

A 32-inch monitor is large enough to fill one’s peripheral vision but small enough for the desktop. If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can get terrific performance and premium build quality. When accessories come into the equation, Corsair’s new Xeneon 32QHD165 has a lot to offer.

(Image credit: Corsair)

We were impressed with its gaming performance for sure. With a huge color gamut that covers over 116% of DCI-P3, there was never a moment where we wanted more saturation. Resolution was in that sweet spot where frame rates stayed high. Its smooth motion processing satisfied most comparisons between QHD and UHD. You won’t find an Ultra HD screen that runs at 165 Hz, at least not today. The only thing we wished for image-wise was better HDR contrast. Though the extra color helped mitigate that narrow dynamic range somewhat, better black levels would have the 32QHD165 hitting a homerun.

We also liked the system of accessories available. Though they are extra-cost items, they aren’t too expensive and add a lot of functionality and convenience. The iCUE software coupled with NEXUS and Stream Deck modules made changing settings super easy. And streamers and Zoom users will appreciate the well designed and built arms that attach securely to the monitor’s upright.

The Xeneon 32QHD165 is a superlative first effort for Corsair. With the largest color gamut out there and premium build quality and features, it will satisfy most users desiring a big-screen monitor. If you’re looking a big screen with better performance than a television, you should definitely check it out.

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • closs.sebastien
    32" and less than 4k...
    ok, for old people who are half-blind..
    = 5mm-pixel
    Reply
  • thepersonwithaface45
    Wow, was really excited at first but then I remembered QHD isn't 4k
    Reply
  • Jake Hall
    closs.sebastien said:
    32" and less than 4k...
    ok, for old people who are half-blind..
    = 5mm-pixel
    Yeah, I didn't think about pixel density when I got my monitor, but it's not really that bad. You have to be unreasonably close to the screen.
    Reply